“I love you!” “Because I love you.” “Do you love me?” To think now how Yahushua asked the question to Peter three times, makes me understand why? Father? I think I understand, but! I am not sure I do. Are You or have You asked me the same question three times? I wonder. Let me read it again,
John 21:15-19 AMPC+
When they had eaten, Yahushua said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do–with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Master, You know that I love You [that I have deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Feed My lambs.
Again He said to him the second time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Master, You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Shepherd (tend) My sheep.
He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]? Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that He should ask him the third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Master, You know everything; You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. Yahushua said to him, Feed My sheep.
I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, when you were young you girded yourself [put on your own belt or girdle] and you walked about wherever you pleased to go. But when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will put a girdle around you and carry you where you do not wish to go.
